Sunday 1 February 2015

Clandon Park

Last Saturday, as it was such a lovely bright sunny day and we had no plans, I cajoled Michael into making a visit to Clandon Park, a nearby National Trust property. It only took us 10 minutes to drive there and then we were quickly making our way up to the beautiful old house to have a nosey around.



After grabbing a bit of lunch in the cafe, we explored the house, which was built in the 18th century. The highlight was definitely the beautiful stucco in the Marble Hall (which I sadly didn't get a picture of) - based on Classical art and sculpture, it was filled with impressive figures and intricate carvings.


There was also a small but very interesting exhibition featuring information about the time when Clandon Park was used as a military hospital during the First World War, like many similar great houses were (thanks to Downton Abbey for that knowledge!). The Surrey Infantry Museum is on site as well, but we haven't yet had a chance to visit that - maybe next time!



Cardigan - Gap, Dress - Goldkid @ Spitalfields Market, Bag - Accessorize, Brogues - Clarks, Hat - Miss Selfridge, Ring - Topshop

I even snuck in a couple of cheeky (awkward!) outfit shots...This cardigan was a massive bargain in the Gap sale and it's so warm and cozy I keep having to take it off when I'm inside as I get too hot! Definitely a good buy for this freezing weather.





The most unique aspect of Clandon Park is Hinemihi, a Maori meeting house brought back from New Zealand in 1892 when Lord Onslow, the owner of Clandon, was governor there. He dug it out of the debris of a volcanic eruption to bring it back and it's the only one of its kind outside of New Zealand that isn't in a museum.



Hope you enjoyed this little look at a beautiful house! I can't wait to get some more use out of my young person's membership and explore more National Trust properties in the area. Does anyone have any favourite NT houses in Surrey or further afield?

2 comments:

  1. This is beautiful, I love the Maori meeting house, it is so unusual!

    Maria xxx

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    Replies
    1. I know, I definitely did a double take the first time I read about it! xxx

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